Prediction: Both teams to score and Chelsea to win
Odds: 16/5
Bookmaker: William Hill
Leicester City and Chelsea come together on Sunday afternoon with both eyeing up a place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley next month.
The two teams clash in the FA Cup for the first time since 2012 at the weekend and go head-to-head at the King Power Stadium competing for their last chance at silverware this season.
Leicester City
Having secured an excellent 4-1 victory at the Hawthorns last weekend, Claude Puel’s Leicester City reached the magic 40-point mark and now look pretty certain of playing their football in the Premier League next season. As a result, the Foxes can focus all of their efforts on the FA Cup. The East-Midlanders have reached the last-eight with a relatively easy run this season, dismissing of Fleetwood Town, Peterborough United and Sheffield United. Chelsea then, present a much bigger task for the Puel’s troops.
One thing that will give the East-Midlanders considerable encouragement is their form at the King Power Stadium. The team have only lost two out of their last 15 FA Cup games at the King Power Stadium. Moreover, they have only conceded one goal in the competition so far this season so Chelsea will have to breach the Foxes’ stubborn backline if they are to return to the capital with a semi-final berth. The Foxes also have a huge task in front of them despite the Premier League champions’ difficult season so far; they have never beaten the Blues in the FA Cup throughout their history.
Team News
With the international break coming up after this clash, it would not be a surprise to see the Foxes name a full-strength squad for the game. This means that the likes of Jamie Vardy and indeed Riyad Mahrez could feature. Vicente Iborra put in a stunning showing against West Brom so could be a good bet to start in midfield again. Puel only has one injury to worry about with Daniel Amartey missing with a hamstring injury.
Chelsea
Despite Chelsea being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening with a 3-0 loss to Barcelona, Antonio Conte’s men still put in an admirable showing. That means that their only route of silverware this season will have to be the FA Cup. The Blues had to get past the likes of Norwich City, Hull City and Newcastle United in order to reach the quarter-finals and have scored a respectable eight goals in the process.
Nonetheless, it has not been a great season for Chelsea having only won one out of their last five games in all competitions. The omens in cup competitions are positive however. The Londoners have only lost one out of their last ten games in the FA Cup. Although, they have not won an away game in the FA Cup against a Premier League rival since 2013, that victory being a 5-1 victory over Southampton at the Hawthorns.
Team News
Antonio Conte only has two injuries to worry about for the trip to Leicester. David Luiz is out with an ankle injury and is joined on the treatment table by Ross Barkley who is suffering with a hamstring problem.
Key Facts To Consider
- Chelsea have the better record between the two (W55, D31, L25)
- The last FA Cup clash between the two teams ended 5-2 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
- Kelechi Iheanacho has scored four goals in as many FA Cup appearances this season
- Chelsea have scored 12 goals in their last five games against the Foxes
- The Premier League clash between the two at the King Power Stadium ended 2-1 to Chelsea
Conclusion
It should be a fascinating tie at the King Power. With neither side having any other commitments and having the resources to field strong sides, it should be an excellent match-up. Chelsea’s form against Leicester should see them home though and see them progress to the Wembley semi-finals.
Having said that, Leicester will not be push-overs and they should find the back of the net against the reigning Premier League champions.
Prediction: Both teams to score and Chelsea to win
Odds: 16/5
Bookmaker: William Hill
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